So, I have to backpedal a little bit here. The other day I was totally on board with the idea of taking Florida's DT/DE Easely in the 2nd round. Well, I knew he has had injury issues, but I didn't know that he has blown out both knees! Sorry, but Easley is off my board completely. I love the upside and playmaking ability when healthy, but this guy clearly has too many red flags medically. I would much rather reach a little bit for a healthy player than draft a kid who has both knees reconstructed. Great talent, can't stay healthy. BB made the mistake of drafting Ras-I Dowling, and I don't want that mistake repeated.

That's where the value comes from... he's prob a top half of the 1st round talent when healthy.

Food for thought MB, BB probably had Benjamin running TE routes just for giggles...Hoodie never misses out on an idea, I think he would be a better choice as the move TE then any other player in this draft including Amaro,Lyerla, Ebron and any other guy! Yes he may have just looked at his WR skills but it has to be in the back of his mind based upon the size of Benjamin that he could be moved to TE/H-back and probably be outstanding from jump street at 6'5" 240 lbs he already has the body for it.. Like i said a month ago if Pryor or Benjamin are still standing no way do they pass on either.

I wouldn't call Benjamin a lock at 29, but he's certainly on the short list, IMO, for the reasons you mentioned above.

Of course there is no guarentee that either are available! I know that the Hernandez hole has to be filled and I'm pretty sure BB realizes this, he also could go in an entirely different direction when he finally uses a pick, becuase according to Ron Rivera: Brandon Lafell is good enough of a blocker that he could move to the TE/HB position. With this knowledge I could see all kinds of different moves being made, but my top two still remain Pryor and Benjamin. Last but not least what is your opinion of Lonnie Ballentine,FS Memphis.

It was good to hear that LaFell takes pride in his blocking... that's a very underrated attribute in a WR.

So, I have to backpedal a little bit here. The other day I was totally on board with the idea of taking Florida's DT/DE Easely in the 2nd round. Well, I knew he has had injury issues, but I didn't know that he has blown out both knees! Sorry, but Easley is off my board completely. I love the upside and playmaking ability when healthy, but this guy clearly has too many red flags medically. I would much rather reach a little bit for a healthy player than draft a kid who has both knees reconstructed. Great talent, can't stay healthy. BB made the mistake of drafting Ras-I Dowling, and I don't want that mistake repeated.

That's where the value comes from... he's prob a top half of the 1st round talent when healthy.

Yeah, but what makes you think he will ever stay healthy for any amount of time? I'm past taking big time medical risks because they present great value. I would rather see them use that pick on a player who may have a little less talent, but a clean medical history. I see the upside with Easly, and respect your opinion if you think he is worth the pick there, but in this deep draft I think that pick #62 is still a pretty valuable spot. I would hate to see us blow it like we did with Dowling. Easly reminds me a lot of Bowers from Clemson a few years back. He has been able to stay on the field for Tampa for the most part, but he isn't the same player that he was before all of his knee issues.

He's 6'3" 235 and ran a very solid 4.67 40 at the combine. Was times twice at 4.57 and 4.59. Finished 1st among all 'backers at the 20 yard shuffle and 4th at the 3 cone drill, which we know BB loves.

I like Skov a lot too, but Tripp could be a similar pro and might be available with one of our late 4th rd picks.

Below is my feedback on Tripp after watching his tape on 3/11:

"His movement ability really stands out on tape... quick footed kid, moves well laterally and has good COD and that seems to be backed up by his 6.89 3C, which was good for 16th amongst all defensive players and his 3.96 SS which was good for 7th amongst ALL players at the combine and 2nd amongst defensive players.

I also like his instincts, pursuit angles and effort on every snap... you can tell this kid loves to the play the game.

On the negative side, he can over pursue and needs to do a better job of breaking down in space, he doesnt' show much stack/shed ability and seems to have trouble getting off blocks consistently and he needs to do a better job of protecting his legs.

At the very least, I think he'll be a good ST player, but he's a kid that I'd love to have on my team... just love his effort, approach on the field."

Been saying since about Nov, CJ is the a typical TE BB loves. Big wide body, very strong, surprising speed, top 3 cone performer, top 20 shuttle performer. I'd look at him as our 2nd round pick. I'd say 3rd but I thought Collins in the 3rd last year and the Pats wanted to make sure they got him so they took him in the 2nd. I see something similar playing out this year for CJ

Been saying since about Nov, CJ is the a typical TE BB loves. Big wide body, very strong, surprising speed, top 3 cone performer, top 20 shuttle performer. I'd look at him as our 2nd round pick. I'd say 3rd but I thought Collins in the 3rd last year and the Pats wanted to make sure they got him so they took him in the 2nd. I see something similar playing out this year for CJ

I wouldn't mind seeing CJ in the 2nd. I'd rather get him in the 3rd, but if they reach a little for a guy like CJ who really fits what they look for, has a clean medical history, and is a great guy and worker, I'm fine with that.

Now normally I hate highlight vids but this one is more of a generic catching highlight reel and not the omg big play kind. A couple things to note:

On his stop and go plays notice his stutter step and move. It's very advanced and for a guy his size quite impressive

notice those huge hands, remind you of anyone?

Notice he squares his shoulders to the ball at every chance. This shows he knows how to use his size to his advantage blocking out any potential reach arounds for deflections

He catches the ball away from the body and brings it in with a fluid motion, very good hands

I wish this vid showed more of his blocking but it gives you some idea of his receiving ability. He has great hands, a surprising quick short step, and knows how to effectively block out defenders. Esp, on the goalline, again remind you of anyone?

Run blocking notice he keeps his hands in, doesn't over extend his leverage, and drives the defender backwards with his forearms and his hands locked instead of trying to push defender with extended arms. That type of blocking is extremely effective because it prevents the defender from reaching out to make a tackle since if the defender reaches out with an arm all CJ has to do is extend his arm while the defender is off balance to pull him out of the play. You can't do that if you are already fully extended.

Pass blocking uses opponents power against them. He keep square extending the arm to the outside while slightly pulling in his inside arm. This redirects the defenders force using their own power to force themselves inside. He keeps that inside angle until he gets past the QB, at which point he switches up nice extending inside arm while retracting outside arm shifting power and weight causing the defender to take an arc to the outside off balance effectively blocking around the QB. Feet movement is great keeping it short and notice his feet never separate futher than his shoulders ensuring the defender can't catch him off balance but also allowing him to direct his full power towards the defender.

On catching notice again uses his body effectively squaring up to make defenders reach around his entire body. Lines up wide, in the slot, and inline effective from all spots. Needs to get off the line quicker when he inline releases and needs to not round his in cuts, but the 3 cone shows he has the ability to do so just needs to develop it a bit further.

Overall he reminds me a lot of Gronk. Not as refined but very similar playing styles and body frames. Athletic freak for a kid his size

Watched alot of film on EASLEY...for a guy his size he's incredibly strong, quick and disruptive...he demolished OT Richardson from Tenn in the films I watched...just a tough, quick, strong guy with a knack for getting in the backfiled against bigger talent....at 6-2, 288 he looks trim and fit...I know his knees are pretty bad, but he still manages to move around like all get out...impressive guy...hope we take a flier on the guy...if his knees were in good shape he'd easily be taken before Donaldson from Pitt.

Watched alot of film on EASLEY...for a guy his size he's incredibly strong, quick and disruptive...he demolished OT Richardson from Tenn in the films I watched...just a tough, quick, strong guy with a knack for getting in the backfiled against bigger talent....at 6-2, 288 he looks trim and fit...I know his knees are pretty bad, but he still manages to move around like all get out...impressive guy...hope we take a flier on the guy...if his knees were in good shape he'd easily be taken before Donaldson from Pitt.

I don't think we need to take an injury risk. I understand his talent, but both knees are reconstructed. I'd pass.

He's 6'3" 235 and ran a very solid 4.67 40 at the combine. Was times twice at 4.57 and 4.59. Finished 1st among all 'backers at the 20 yard shuffle and 4th at the 3 cone drill, which we know BB loves.

I like Skov a lot too, but Tripp could be a similar pro and might be available with one of our late 4th rd picks.

Below is my feedback on Tripp after watching his tape on 3/11:

"His movement ability really stands out on tape... quick footed kid, moves well laterally and has good COD and that seems to be backed up by his 6.89 3C, which was good for 16th amongst all defensive players and his 3.96 SS which was good for 7th amongst ALL players at the combine and 2nd amongst defensive players.

I also like his instincts, pursuit angles and effort on every snap... you can tell this kid loves to the play the game.

On the negative side, he can over pursue and needs to do a better job of breaking down in space, he doesnt' show much stack/shed ability and seems to have trouble getting off blocks consistently and he needs to do a better job of protecting his legs.

At the very least, I think he'll be a good ST player, but he's a kid that I'd love to have on my team... just love his effort, approach on the field."

Nice, thanks.

So probably a solid grab with one of the rd 4 picks who could replace Fletcher?

Watched alot of film on EASLEY...for a guy his size he's incredibly strong, quick and disruptive...he demolished OT Richardson from Tenn in the films I watched...just a tough, quick, strong guy with a knack for getting in the backfiled against bigger talent....at 6-2, 288 he looks trim and fit...I know his knees are pretty bad, but he still manages to move around like all get out...impressive guy...hope we take a flier on the guy...if his knees were in good shape he'd easily be taken before Donaldson from Pitt.

This offseason has turned into a soap opera! Fix one hole and the next hole appears! Fixed the Center position today, shortly there after the big RB position was dealt a blow! The 4rth player to leave via FA off of last seasons roster has left the building in LeGarrette Blount. The question is do the Patriots fill any of these holes with FA's or are they going to draft out of need. Neither of the two spots that went vacant b/u linebacker or power RB are essential with whats left on the market. So assuming they draft a linebacker I'm guessing everyone would like Skov, Starr,Tripp or even Mosley as Fletcher's replacement. As for filling the big back position maybe Blue or even Jeremy Hill from LSU would suffice but why take a back when Atkinson III is projected as a udfa by most guru's. Oh well let's wait a day or so and maybe John Kuhn will walk throught those doors.

OLB/DE- Jeremiah Attaochu - he and Ford while I like are one trick tweener ponies I am never thrilled about taking in a first round

LB- Ryan Shazier - good player just not sure they go LB 1st round?

DT- Stephon Tuitt - If you can give me the 2012 version hell yes

OLB/DE- Dee Ford - same comment as Attaochu

WR- Kelvin Benjamin - certainlyintriguing

CB- Kyle Fuller - looks like a very nice player

DT- Ra'shede Hageman - he is my Nate Solder of this draft. Never liked Solders film, felt they drafted him on upside potential. That is how I view Hageman and can see Pats doing same again

S- Jimmie Ward - have not decided, briefly took a look today.

Rd 1-2:

OG- Xavier Su’a-Filo - have not watched

DE/OLB- Marcus Smith - have not watched

LB- Kyle Van Noy - really like him alot, reminds me of the kid in Arizona Washington from TCU. Very athletic all over the place. If Pats had not drafted Collins last yr I would say he would not be their type.

Rd 2:

DT- Dominique Easley - love him

S- Deone Bucannon - not watched

LB- Telvin Smith - not watched

OT/OG- Joel Bitonio - like to seem him hold his downfield block to the whistle or attempt to OR when he does let go look to find someone else to hit, he often does not. Still he's real solid. Really strong torso, can anchor even when not in the right leverage position

DE/OLB- Trent Murphy - over rated imo

WR- Donte Moncrief - smooth and might be underrated

TE- Troy Niklas - love his potential, would just be so nice to have more video of him in the passing game

TE- Jace Amaro - over rated imo but as a 2nd rounder would not complain

Rd 2-3:

WR- Cody Latimer - have not seen

DT- DaQuan Jones - solid yet unspectacular, feel like we like him more because of his size and Pats tendancy. Seems high to take for player to be simply solid that you could probably find later. Like him a lot more in the 3rd

TE- Austin Seferian-Jenkins - what's his health? Other than that I personally like him a lot

Devonte Freeman looks like a gutsy little runner too me. It looks like he tries to pass block, he runs hard, he runs fast. For a little guy he looks a little stiff too me, but that probably doesn't mean much. I don't think this is a make you miss type of back, but that could be a good thing - he looks like he gives one cut and tries to accelerate upfield. I think he'll need to be a pass catcher to really make it in the NFL, but he said at his pro day he is working on that.

Pats let Blount go, as I figured they would (he's overrated) and it is time to draft a young guy again.

The team holes that need to be filled are: TE, S, RB, ILB, WR and DE

I think trading out of 1st R and getting a a 2nd and 3rd R pick is ideal given the depth of the draft, but it may be hard ot find takers for that deal.

The DE positon is th emost problematic ... it should have been dealt with via FA ... but it hasn't ... I am not going to touch the DE positon because I don't see anyone who is going to contribute significantly where Pats are picking ... So here is my draft ...

2R Deone Bucannon S

2R Troy Nicklas TE

3R Jared Abbrederis WR

3R Christian Jones ILB or Shane Skov ILB

4R Tyler Gaffney (RB)

The one change I would consider would be Christian Jones in R2 rather than Nicklas .... and then going with Fiedorowicz (TE) in R3

Pats let Blount go, as I figured they would (he's overrated) and it is time to draft a young guy again.

The team holes that need to be filled are: TE, S, RB, ILB, WR and DE

I think trading out of 1st R and getting a a 2nd and 3rd R pick is ideal given the depth of the draft, but it may be hard ot find takers for that deal.

The DE positon is th emost problematic ... it should have been dealt with via FA ... but it hasn't ... I am not going to touch the DE positon because I don't see anyone who is going to contribute significantly where Pats are picking ... So here is my draft ...

2R Deone Bucannon S

2R Troy Nicklas TE

3R Jared Abbrederis WR

3R Christian Jones ILB or Shane Skov ILB

4R Tyler Gaffney (RB)

The one change I would consider would be Christian Jones in R2 rather than Nicklas .... and then going with Fiedorowicz (TE) in R3

I'll be shocked if Fiedorowicz is available in late round three. He's rising on a lot of boards according to what I've been reading. He'll be gone by the end of round 2 or early third round at the latest.

Devonte Freeman looks like a gutsy little runner too me. It looks like he tries to pass block, he runs hard, he runs fast. For a little guy he looks a little stiff too me, but that probably doesn't mean much. I don't think this is a make you miss type of back, but that could be a good thing - he looks like he gives one cut and tries to accelerate upfield. I think he'll need to be a pass catcher to really make it in the NFL, but he said at his pro day he is working on that.

Nice find mbeaulieu07.

Yeah, just love this kids effort and as you mention, very little waisted motion... one cut and go, keeps the legs pumping, drives forward. Plays the game the right way.

Well, now that Blount has signed with Pitt, I'm thinking that BB will look to draft a RB at some point. I think that there will be pretty good RB talent in the board in the 6th and 7th round. One guy to watch is Jerick McKinnon from GA Southern. Played QB in College, but will swithch to RB in the NFL. Benched 225 32 times and still ran a 4.41 at 5'9" 209. Pretty insane athleticism. He supposedly looked pretty good running the ball at the Senior Bowl and displayed good pass catching ability, too. Could be a guy to keep an eye on.